Small But Significant Contributions of Urban Sacred Forests to Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainability Agendas

Sacred forests in urban areas, often regarded as green oases, are vital yet understudied components of city ecosystems, providing significant ecological benefits. This study investigates the role of sacred forests in conserving biodiversity, sequestering carbon, and mitigating local temperatures in Japanese cities. Through botanical records, biodiversity metrics, carbon estimates, and spatial analysis, we documented 170 species from 64 families, including four of conservation concern. These forests also demonstrated carbon storage and helped regulate urban microclimates, as evidenced by surface temperature differences that indicate their role in mitigating heat in densely populated urban areas. Despite their small size, sacred forests make disproportionately large contributions to urban resilience. By protecting species, enhancing climate regulation, and conserving cultural heritage, they support global sustainability goals, such as the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals. The results highlight the importance of including sacred forests in urban policy and planning as culturally resilient green infrastructure. Promoting their preservation through policy and community support is key to maximizing ecological benefits and creating more nature-friendly cities.